Dr. Joel Schlessinger

To prepare for days in the summer sun, sunscreen with the proper SPF is a must to protect against harmful UVB rays that increase the risk of skin cancer. Higher SPF numbers correlate with better UVB protection, but a recent study shows that the SPF labels do not always match the SPF protection provided by sunscreens. In this blog entry, Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares an article from CBS News called, “Some sunscreens don’t live up to their SPF claims” and explains the study and ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains the dangers of harmful UV rays.

SPF, or sun protection factor, measures a sunscreen’s ability to block dangerous UVB rays that cause sunburn. UVA rays, or rays that lead to wrinkled and aging skin, are not measured by SPF but can be just as damaging to skin. Both types of UV ray increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, making sunscreen an important factor for healthy skin. Skin can be damaged by UV rays after just 10 minutes of intense sun exposure.

In a recent study conducted by Consumer Reports, 34 sunscreens were evaluated for their effectiveness in blocking UVB and UVA rays. To test UVB protection, different sunscreens were applied to patches of skin and exposed to six levels of UVB light. The effectiveness was evaluated by how red the skin appeared the next day. To test UVA protection, Consumer Reports applied each sunscreen to a plastic plate and shined a UV light through it to see how much light passed through each sunscreen. According to the study, 11 of the sunscreens tested were 16% to 70% less effective than advertised and did not provide the amount of SPF protection listed on their labels. Of the 34 sunscreens tested, only 15 performed well enough to earn Consumer Report’s recommendation.

“This is something that every dermatologist has known for years and has been extremely hard to convince our patients of until now,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “It seems wrong that numbers lie but in the case of sunscreens they just do. That’s why I only trust EltaMD or CoTZ on my skin when I go out. They have different standards that are clearly better.”

What I’ve been telling my patients for years, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Sunscreen is an important part of a daily skincare regimen, and there are several ways to ensure its effectiveness. Dr. Joel Schlessinger and other dermatologists have several recommendations for preventing sun damage to your skin:

• Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 every day, but choose a higher SPF on days when you know you’ll be outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Avoid being outside when the sun is at its peak, which is usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Protect your skin with proper clothing including wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting long sleeve shirts.
• Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen such as EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen to protect your skin against both UVB and UVA rays.
• In addition to these sun protection measures, supplements such as Heliocare Sun Protection Pills provide added UV protection.

Do you have questions about sunscreen? Ask in the comments section below.

Prolonged sun exposure is hard on skin. Even one sunburn leaves painful, lasting damage. Additionally, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles after receiving five or more sunburns, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. But what actually happens to your skin when it burns? In this blog, Joel Schlessinger MD shares what gives skin that painful red appearance.

Sunburn is the skin’s response to UV exposure, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

It doesn’t take long for skin to burn. After just 10 minutes of intense sun exposure, the skin starts to defend itself against UV damage. A sunburn’s characteristic redness is the body’s inflammatory response to signal that there are skin cells that need to be repaired. The body also starts sending blood to the exposed area to assist in the healing process, making skin warm to the touch long after sun exposure.

Severe sunburn can lead to blisters and peeling skin. Blisters are the body’s way of protecting areas with tissue damage. Peeling skin is the body’s attempt at ridding itself of damaged cells that could become cancerous.

Under less intense sun exposure, skin responds by producing melanin to try to protect cells from DNA damage. This melanin gives skin the appearance of a tan. Although skin isn’t turning red, any change in skin color is a sign of damage.

Joel Schlessinger MD shares tips on how to care for sunburned skin.

Although it’s best to avoid a sunburn altogether with regular sunscreen application, there are things you can do to help the healing process.

If you feel your skin start to tingle or see signs of redness, get out of the sun and take Advil immediately. Advil acts as an anti-inflammatory that helps minimize the severity of a sunburn. It won’t completely prevent a burn, but it can stop skin from blistering before it starts. Then, soothe skin with a cool shower and apply LovelySkin Aloe Vera Soothing Skin Relief Gel to help calm and heal sunburned areas. You can relieve discomfort by applying FixMySkin Healing Body Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone to affected areas up to three times a day. This balm contains hydrocortisone to soothe irritation and hydrating shea butter and cocoa butter to prevent peeling and flaking skin. If you think you’ve had too much sun exposure, taking Heliocare Sun Protection Pills can also help minimize a burn.

Do you have a question about sunburns for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.

While shopping for foundation, it’s not uncommon for cosmetic companies to suggest the perfect shade for your Fitzpatrick skin type. This can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the Fitzpatrick Scale. Also called Fitzpatrick skin type testing, the Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system for skin color.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is important to the skin care community, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

Developed by Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, the Fitzpatrick Scale is helpful for dermatologists and others in the skin care industry. Knowing your skin type is important because it can help you determine your risk for developing sun damage and skin cancer. The test measures genetic disposition and reaction to sun exposure to determine your skin type. Type I is very fair, type II is fair, type III is light, type IV is medium, type V is dark and type VI is very dark.

You can determine your own skin type with a simple test, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

The first part of the Fitzpatrick test considers genetic disposition. It accounts for eye color, natural hair color, natural skin color and the amount of freckles on unexposed areas of the body. The second part of the test looks at reaction to extended sun exposure. This section looks at how skin responds to the sun, how skin tans, how deep that tan is and how sensitive the face is to sun exposure. By adding up your score, you can determine your Fitzpatrick skin type as well as how to properly protect your skin from the sun. Take the test now on the Skin Cancer Foundation website.

Do you have questions for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

Achieving a bronze glow doesn’t require harmful UV exposure. With so many sunless tanners on the market, it’s easy to achieve a safe, natural tan from the comfort of your own home. But how exactly do self-tanners work? In this blog, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how these products give your skin a warm, healthy glow.

Sunless tanners give your skin a tanned look without UV exposure, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

The active ingredient in most self-tanners is the color additive dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. Derived from sugar, this ingredient reacts with amino acids found in the top layers of skin to create a bronze shade. This color change can take anywhere from two to six hours and each reapplication will help build color depth. This is why many products have a gradual effect over a few days or a week. Without reapplication, the coloring typically wears off after a few days.

Self-tanners do not replace the need for sunscreen. Even if the formula you’re applying contains sunscreen, this protection only remains effective for a couple hours. The bronze color produced by sunless tanning products will not provide UV protection so applying a broad spectrum sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is still essential.

Self-tanning products are a safe alternative to sunbathing and tanning beds, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

When used as directed, self-tanners are safe and effective. DHA is FDA-approved for topical application and has a long history of safe use on skin. Self-tanners are the only tanning alternative advocated by dermatologists like Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Self-tanners are available in a variety of formulas including lotions, towelettes and sprays. For a gradual, radiant glow, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends jane iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer. Towelettes like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Glow Pad for Face and TanTowel for body provide a more instant glow and a quick, even application. If you prefer a spray formula, bliss A Tan For All Seasons provides a head-to-toe tan and dries in just five minutes.

For best results, follow the directions on your product. Take care to protect your eyes, mouth and nose, especially if you’re using a spray formula as getting product into these areas can cause irritation. If you make a mistake, immediately exfoliate the area and apply an alcohol-based toner to remove some of the pigment. Wash your hands as soon as you’re finished to prevent orange palms and uneven color.

Do you have a question for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

In a recent viral video, videographer Thomas Leveritt shows people on the street what they look like under ultraviolet light, exposing sun damage beneath the skin. The ultraviolet camera reveals changes to their skin that aren’t yet visible to the naked eye such as freckles, wrinkles and other signs of UV damage. With this video in mind, Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares what you can do to protect yourself from sun damage and keep your skin looking youthful.

Applying sunscreen every day protects your skin from premature aging, sun damage and skin cancer, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Any change in your skin is a sign of sun damage. This damage doesn’t make itself known right away, either. Over time, sun exposure can lead to signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. UV exposure also creates an uneven skin tone and breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, giving the complexion a saggy appearance.

Most skin cancer is caused by too much UV exposure. In the early stages, it usually resembles a freckle or a mole that can change in size, shape or color. The best way to avoid skin cancer is through regular self checks and visits to your dermatologist. This will also improve your chances of catching it early when it’s easily treatable.

The best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to wear sunscreen every day and stay out of the sun. Apply a daily sunscreen and avoid outside activities during peak hours when the sun is directly overhead. Following these basic rules will help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends applying a broad spectrum sunscreen every day for healthy skin.

When shopping for sunscreen, many people only look at the SPF, which is not the best way to determine if your sunscreen is adequate. SPF only explains how well a produce protects against UVB rays, not UVA. Both UV rays cause skin cancer so it’s important to choose a broad spectrum formula. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin.

As a general rule, Dr. Joel Schlessinger and other dermatologists recommend applying a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours. For optimal sun protection, avoid excessive sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is most intense. It’s also important to protect your skin with proper clothing such as loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and pants, as well as wide-brimmed hats.

Do you have a question for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

We’ve all heard the myth that sun exposure is a must if you want your daily dose of vitamin D. With sunscreen use on the rise, some are worried that constant UV protection could cause a vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains the link between this essential vitamin and your skin.

Sun exposure isn’t the best way to boost your vitamin D levels, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

When exposed to direct sunlight, skin reacts with the UVB rays by producing vitamin D. The body’s ability to create this vitamin decreases with age so it’s impossible to get enough vitamin D without harming your skin in the process. Even people with tan skin can have low levels of this essential vitamin, so the idea that tanning will increase levels of vitamin D isn’t always true.

UVB rays, along with UVA rays, can cause skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen every morning. Instead of risking harmful sun exposure, Dr. Joel Schlessinger suggests taking vitamin supplements that provide about 2,000 units of vitamin D3 each day. These will also help support healthy teeth and strong bones.

Vitamin D can also be applied topically for additional skin care benefits, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

In addition to daily supplements, vitamin D can also be applied topically to provide skin care benefits. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Active Vitamin D Serum-Oil helps minimize acne, improve skin elasticity, stimulate collagen production, enhance skin radiance, minimize fine lines and diminish dark spots. Unlike most vitamin D oils, this serum does not need sunlight to activate the vitamin D. You’ll enjoy a more youthful complexion with regular use of this anti-aging formula.

Do you have questions about vitamin D for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

When it comes to proper skin care, many people know sunscreen is an essential. However, with myths and other false information floating around, there are still consumers who may not understand the full story on the ways of sun protection. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Joel Schlessinger always wants people to know the truth.

Myths about tanning, skin cancer and UV damage can lead to harmful sun exposure, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

When looking for a sunscreen, many consumers only look at the SPF, which is not the best way to determine if your sunscreen is adequate. SPF only explains how well a product protects against UVB rays, not UVA. Both types of UV exposure cause skin cancer so you need a product that is designated as broad spectrum such as EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.

Two common misconceptions include the belief that having a darker skin tone or getting a “base tan” will protect you from sun damage. This is untrue as a base tan is only good for about an SPF of 4!  People with dark skin tones are still at risk for skin cancer and need to protect themselves with sunscreen. Additionally, tanning isn’t safer than burning as any change in skin tone indicates UV damage.

Many individuals also believe the sun’s rays can’t penetrate through clouds, windows, umbrellas and other objects. Sunscreen is still essential when the sky is overcast, while you’re under a beach umbrella or spending your day at the office. Sun damage can reach through clouds and windows. Additionally, the sun’s rays can reflect off of sand or snow.

It’s important to know the truth behind sunscreen myths, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

There have been several debates about the safety of chemical ingredients in sunscreen, leading people to believe these products can cause allergic reactions or harm the skin. With physical, mineral and chemical formulas to choose from, however, it’s easy for everyone to find a sunscreen that works for their skin type.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger and other dermatologists recommend applying a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours. However, sunscreen is only half of the equation. For optimal sun protection, avoid excessive sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is most intense. It’s also important to protect your skin with proper clothing such as loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and pants, as well as wide-brimmed hats. Heliocare Sun Protection Pills are daily supplements that can provide added UV protection. Read more sun safety tips from Dr. Joel Schlessinger here.

Do you have questions about sunscreen for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

Many women struggle with dark spots and sun damage. The best way to create and maintain an even skin tone is to pair an in-office treatment with an advanced skin care regimen. In his most recent presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD answers frequently asked questions about IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy. He also recommends a post-treatment skin care regimen that will help you maintain a healthy complexion.

IPL treatment creates a more even skin tone, Joel Schlessinger MD shares.

The IPL treatment uses an innovative technology that helps diminish the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, freckles and uneven skin tone. This gentle, non-ablative procedure uses broad spectrum light to safely treat sun damage. Great for patients with active lifestyles, IPL therapy requires no downtime and has a very low risk of side effects.

An advanced skin care regimen will help you maintain a healthy complexion, says Joel Schlessinger MD.

After receiving an IPL treatment, it is important to maintain your results with an advanced skin regimen. Joel Schlessinger MD recommends using Retin-A, Refissa, Tretinoin or an over-the-counter retinol along with a brightening system like Obagi Nu-Derm. This 7-piece system reduces the appearance of dark spots with 4% hydroquinone. With continued use, you’ll see results in as little as six weeks.

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is an excellent over-the-counter retinol product. It minimizes sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles by increasing cell turnover. This retinol can be mixed with Obagi Nu-Derm Blender for enhanced results.

Finally, Joel Schlessinger MD suggests applying a daily sunscreen to protect your complexion against future damage. Wearing sunscreen every day will help prevent dark spots from returning. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is an excellent choice because its gentle, oil-free formula won’t clog pores or cause irritation.

Do you have a question about IPL therapy for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.

Everyone has at least one mole. These marks can be any irregularity or dark spot on the skin, such as a birthmark. Most moles are harmless and don’t change, but others can show early symptoms of melanoma. In his most recent presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD discusses how to distinguish harmless moles from dangerous ones.

Safe sun practices and proper skin care can protect you from dangerous moles, Joel Schlessinger MD says.

Protecting yourself from harmful sun exposure can prevent moles from developing into skin cancer. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to shield your skin. Another way to keep yourself safe is to avoid tanning booths.

Recognize the warning signs of dangerous moles by using the ABCDE rule. Look for moles with asymmetry, where one half doesn’t match the other half in shape. Next, check for moles with ragged, blurred or irregular borders. Watch out for marks with uneven coloration, more than one color or unusual color. Pay attention to moles with a diameter larger than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser. Finally, keep track of evolving moles that change or grow in shape over time.

Scar treatments can minimize marks left behind after mole removal, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

Joel Schlessinger is an expert in skin cancer evaluation. As a board-certified dermatologist, he is skilled at assessing dangerous moles and removing them if necessary. If you do need a mole removed, there are several scar treatments that can help diminish the appearance of scarring.

SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel is clinically proven to address multiple phases of scar formation to improve the overall healing process. You’ll see softer, smoother skin with less noticeable scarring with continued use. To conceal and heal post-procedure scars, Joel Schlessinger MD recommends Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation. This breathable foundation stimulates cell growth and soothes stressed skin to minimize scar formation. Plus, the formula is gentle enough to use immediately after procedures.

Do you have questions for Joel Schlessinger MD? Let us know in the comments.

Sunburned skin is not the only sign of sun damage. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “safe” tan. Any change in the color of your skin is a sign of sun damage. In his most recent presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD discusses how to recognize sun damage, the best way to protect yourself and what you can do to reverse existing damage.

Sun damage can cause premature signs of aging and skin cancer, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

Dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles are a common sign of sun damage. UV exposure creates an uneven skin tone and breaks down elastin in the skin, which gives the complexion a saggy and aged appearance.

Most skin cancer is caused by too much UV exposure. In the early stages, it usually resembles a freckle or a mole that can change in size, shape or color. The best way to avoid skin cancer is through regular visits to your dermatologist. This will also improve your chances of catching it early when it’s easily treatable.

Joel Schlessinger shares tips on how to prevent sun damage.

The best way to prevent sun damage is to avoid direct sun exposure and keep your skin well protected. Apply a daily sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen and avoid outside activities during peak hours when the sun is directly overhead.

Heliocare Sun Protection Pills can give your regular sunscreen a boost. These daily supplements build up your body’s natural defense against UV damage. Wearing a hat and clothing with SPF also help shield your skin.

Joel Schlessinger MD suggests treating existing sun damage with an anti-aging formula like SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum. This serum combines growth factors, peptides and antioxidants to diminish the look of dark spots and wrinkles.

Do you have a question for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.